Families mark a century on the land

Since 1905, successive generations of the Simpson family have
farmed Springside at Tokarahi in North Otago.

From draught horses to large, modern tractors and combine
harvesters, each generation has kept up with new farming
practices.

The Simpson family was among 42 families to attend the recent
New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards in Lawrence, for
families who have farmed the same land for 100 years or more.

It was the highest number of families to be recognised for
their commitment since the awards were first held in 2006.

Seven families were recognised for 150 years ownership, while
the Raine family, from Oaklands, at Nelson, has been on the
same land since 1844.

The Simpson, Conlan, Wilson and Duff families, who farm in
close proximity to each other, travelled to the awards
together.

Successive generations of Simpsons have grown a variety of
grain and grass and small seed crops.

Marketing pasture seeds direct to farmers has become an
important part of their farming business in the past 20
years.

The Duff family, who have been on their land since 1901, has
also continued with grain and seed production, marketing a
range of pasture, brassica and cereal seed under the Duff
Farm brand around New Zealand.

Terry and Fiona Conlan farm Innisfree, at Island Cliff, where
they are cropping and rearing bull calves on land first
settled by John and Edward Conlan in 1872.

Craigburn, a sheep farm run by Ross and Carol Wilson, is
situated around the township of Tokarahi, and is now in its
101st year of family ownership.

The original 26ha farm was purchased by Hugh and Isabella
(nee Wilson) Oliver on August 4, 1913. It now encompasses
220ha.